Díaz-Canel sparked another wave of heated reactions on social media after posting a video of his participation in the National Defense Day, celebrated on February 13 in the Cerro municipality of the capital.
In the message shared on their official profiles, the leader wrote: “Today we participated in the National Defense Day. We were in the 'Armada' Defense Zone, in the Cerro municipality of the capital, and we shared the preparation day with workers and residents of the community, as part of our concept of the War of All the People.”
The post, accompanied by images showing him in uniform and greeting military personnel, garnered thousands of reactions and comments just a few hours after it was shared. The predominant tone among users was one of criticism, mockery, and dissatisfaction.
Among the critical comments, several directly questioned the idea of a "War of the People"; "What war of the people? They are coming for you, stop lying to the people," wrote one user. Another commented: "You keep making a serious mistake, that is not the war of the people, I am also part of the people but I have nothing to defend. Don't speak for me."
The comparison with Venezuela and the recent arrest of Nicolás Maduro was also present in multiple comments. “I saw this recently in Venezuela,” remarked one internet user, while another stated, “This is how it started in Venezuela when it was already inside.” Similarly, one comment read: “Maduro fell. It will be easier to capture you.”
Some comments sarcastically remarked on the physical condition and age of the participants in the maneuvers. "Army of old folks," wrote one user. Another added, "Visit to the nursing home." There were also expressions like, "The circle of grandpas" and "Those outfits look like they're from 1901."
Various messages questioned the government's priorities amid the economic crisis. "Where is the electricity, the food, and everything that is missing in this country? What are you going to defend—sadness, misery, and darkness?” asked one commenter. Another pointed out, "There's money for weapons, but no energy, no food, and health is in ruins." In a similar vein, it was stated: "Stop waging so much war and think about the Cuban people; this war is unnecessary right now."
There were also explicit calls for political change. "Please resign and call for free elections. It is time to alleviate the pain, even if the U.S. has encouraged it. It is time," wrote one user. Another expressed: "Release the power and do not take the people of Cuba hostage."
In contrast, pro-government profiles defended the event and the government’s stance. “We will continue to prepare to defend the homeland, the Revolution, and socialism at any cost!” asserted a commentator. Another noted: “Preparation for Defense is vital; we will never surrender.” Messages such as “Long live Socialist Cuba! Cuba will prevail” and “Prepared and Alert!!!” were also read.
This is not the first time in recent weeks that a post related to military exercises has triggered a similar reaction. At the end of January, following another similar message, thousands of users responded with irony and questions in a context marked by power outages, shortages, and social unrest.
On that occasion, the leader referenced Fidel Castro and shared images of military maneuvers, which sparked comments such as: “The only thing to defend the people of Cuba from is you.” The scene has now repeated itself, following a pattern of responses that combines ideological support with a significant amount of criticism and mockery.
While the official discourse insists on preparedness for a possible external aggression, much of the commentary focuses on daily shortcomings and the disconnect between the defense narrative and the reality described by many citizens on social media.
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